Q: I just got a blue couch and now I'm confused about color in my living room. I also have a pair of green chairs, which you can see in the photos. I want to be bold with color, which is why I went for a blue couch! But I don't exactly know how — I get nervous and before I know it everything in my apartment is the same color.

To one side of the couch is my Murphy bed unit, which is a huge behemoth of beechwood with blue wallpaper. To the other side is a medium brown Billy bookshelf, which I have every intention of painting and/or covering with fabric. So here are my questions:

1. What color would you paint the Billy? I'm leaning toward light blue, several shades lighter than the couch, but I am totally unsure that this is a good idea. (I also realize the blue wallpaper on the Murphy bed is now a LOT of blue.)2. What about art above the couch? I don't want it to be too busy, because there's so much going on with all the shelves — a big fabric hanging, maybe? What colors would be dramatic?

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Regina is an architect who lives with her husband and children in Lawrence, KS. As a LEED Accredited Professional and longtime contributor to Apartment Therapy and The Kitchn, her focus is on healthy, sustainable living through design.